Why does Netflix axe some popular foreign-genre shows?

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

Netflix, the streaming giant, has become a powerhouse in the world of entertainment, producing a vast array of original content from across the globe. However, it is no stranger to making the tough decision to cancel popular shows. This article explores the intriguing phenomenon of Netflix discontinuing well-liked foreign-genre series, shedding light on the reasons behind such choices.

One notable example is the recent cancellation of the Netflix reboot of the hit 2004 series "Rebelde," a Mexican teen drama that captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. Directed by Santiago Limón, "Rebelde" was a sequel to the 2004 Mexican telenovela of the same name, itself a remake of the Argentine telenovela "Rebelde Way" by Cris Morena. Despite its esteemed legacy, the Netflix reboot met an untimely end after just two seasons due to poor viewership.

Actor Sergio Mayer Mori, who was part of the series, expressed his willingness to continue the show, stating, "It would be an honor for me to be able to do the third, fourth, and fifth [seasons], the thing is that it hasn't been done anymore. It was Netflix, it was the producers who told us: 'Thanks for everything guys, and the third time, there is no more.''' The reasons behind this cancellation remain undisclosed, and while there is no official explanation, several factors might have contributed to Netflix's decision.

Viewership statistics, as reported by FlixPatrol, indicate that "Rebelde" struggled to maintain its audience throughout its two seasons. The initial season had a lukewarm start, while the second season performed even less favorably. This decline in viewership may have influenced Netflix's choice to discontinue the series.

However, "Rebelde" is not the only show that Netflix has chosen to axe, as the streaming giant has made several other surprising cancellations of foreign-genre content. Here are a few noteworthy examples:

Bling Empire (2021): This reality show offered an inside look into the lives of wealthy Asian Americans in Los Angeles and even had a New York City spinoff. Despite lasting three seasons, Netflix confirmed that the show would not be renewed. While there are no clear reports about why the Netflix show was canceled, mixed reviews could be one of the reasons. Many fans appreciated how it showcased the 'human' side of the rich reality stars, but there were also viewers who found it to be in bad taste.

Uncoupled (2022): Starring Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role, this Netflix show created a lot of buzz when it premiered on July 29, 2022. Harris plays the role of Michael Lawson, who was abruptly dumped by his long-term partner and is finding it tough to navigate the dating scene for the first time in 17 years. Although it appeared at number six in the Netflix "Top 10" list for one week, the streaming platform decided not to renew the show. However, a month after the cancellation news, Showtime decided to pick up the series for a second season, meaning that fans will still be able to follow Michael's journey, but not on Netflix.

Inside Job (2021): Created by Shion Takeuchi, this animated Netflix show is set in a world where many commonly talked about conspiracy theories are real. The characters are heavily flawed but utterly hilarious. Even though it does have good ratings, the show was still dropped by the streaming platform. Season 1 of the show was split into two parts: the first part was released on October 22, 2021, while the second part was released on November 18, 2022. Initially, Netflix had renewed the show, but early this year, Takeuchi shared that the streaming platform had reversed their renewal. Since the end of season 1 left a lot of loose ends, this cancelation will be especially disappointing for fans.

The Chair (2021): This Netflix show starring Sandra Oh received glowing reviews after it premiered on August 20, 2021. It follows the trials and tribulations of Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed chair of the English department at Pembroke University. Fans were hoping for a renewal since the season 1 finale left some lingering questions. In an interview with Variety, Sandra Oh hinted at a possible cancellation, saying, "No one's called me, so I'm guessing that's not happening." Eventually, Netflix made an official announcement that the show would not be returning for a second season.

These cancellations highlight the complexity of Netflix's decision-making process. While some shows meet their demise due to viewership statistics, others are canceled for reasons that remain a mystery. Nonetheless, the streaming giant's ability to take risks, experiment with content, and prioritize diverse storytelling is a testament to its commitment to offering a wide range of shows, even if not all of them are granted multiple seasons.

In the ever-evolving world of streaming entertainment, the fate of foreign-genre series on Netflix remains unpredictable. As viewers, we can only hope for more diverse, innovative, and exciting content while being prepared for the unexpected as we continue to binge-watch our favorite shows.

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